Walter Charles Garrison III, local businessman and entertainer dies at age 69. He passed away while vacationing in Florida with his wife Donna. He was born in Wheeling, W.Va., on Feb. 8, 1938.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years. Donna Garrison; two sons, Scott Garrison and wife Lisa of Sherwood, Wis., and Neil Garrison and wife Tonya of Terre Haute; one daughter. Wendy Davis of Indianapolis; three sisters, Susan Oberholtzer and husband Paul of Tampa, Fla., Judy Goudy of Wheeling, and Evelyn Thomas of Alexandria, Va.; one brother, John Herbert Garrison of Nevada; four grandchildren, Stevie Garrison of Chicago, Taylor Garrison of Sherwood, Wis., Hogan Garrison and Haley Garrison, both of Terre Haute.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Charles Garrison, Jr. of Wheeling, W.Va., and mother, Sarah Jane Goudy of Terre Haute.
He was a communications specialist for the U.S. Air Force and also served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He later acquired his pilot’s license with a sea-plane rating.
He began his sales career with Paige’s Music store. He later worked with Woodburn Printing and Thadco Advertising, until he purchased Thadco. He spent the majority of his sales career in advertising specialties. He served on many committees and received several awards within the industry. In his lifetime he sold many products and services including band instruments, commercial printing, advertising specialties, air filter systems and even airplanes. He enjoyed the challenges in the sales profession where he never met a stranger and many of his customers became great friends. He also was a lifelong entertainer and musician who spent most of his early days on the road playing bass guitar. He and his family settled in Terre Haute where he received his first full time band job. Throughout his life he continued to play locally in several Jazz bands and always enjoyed an audience. His musician friends often referred to him as “Charlie Brown.”
He was an officer and organist for the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 86, and was an advocate for United Cerebral Palsy. He also was an avid golfer and woodworker.
Visitation is 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Roselawn Funeral Home, with memorial services at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Central Presbyterian Church or the United Cerebral Palsy.
